Planning a trip to Amsterdam and looking for the perfect place to stay? Navigating all of the accommodation choices can be a bit confusing. Which neighborhood? How many stars? What’s in the rooms? What’s a good deal? We’re here to help, with 14 things that you should understand before booking your hotel. A quick intro »Read more

To first timers in Amsterdam, it’s overwhelming to see a surplus of bicycles blanketing the city. Bicycles are leaning on everything, and transporting everyone, everywhere at all times of day and night. Questions that come to mind are: 1. Which one is the bike lane? 2. Why do all the bikes look so shabby? 3. »Read more

Amsterdam isn’t the most expensive city in Europe (we’re looking at you London!), but it’s certainly not the cheapest. You can expect to pay a little bit more for all of the essentials than you would in a place like Italy or Spain. Luckily, with a little bit of planning and know how, a tourist »Read more

Amsterdam is often stereotyped in a sinful cliché of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Family members always ask me, “So, you’re living in Amsterdam? How’s the pot (chuckle, chuckle)!?” Hardy, har, har. While the city undoubtedly has a “party” vibe around town, things have changed since the 1970s and ’80s. And most locals lead »Read more

My train pulled into Amsterdam on Sunday during a marathon. Well, I didn’t realize the Amsterdam Marathon was happening at first. I just realized that something was up with the trams. I had studied up on the city’s tram system in advance, and knew that to get from Centraal Station to my hotel, the cute-and-simple »Read more

Every summer my short stint as a tour guide begins with great intentions. We start at the Dam Square, stroll for an hour and soak in the atmosphere and good vibes from enjoying our wander. We check out the secret garden Begijnhof, dip into the art hall from the Amsterdam Museum, wander to the Flower »Read more

Amsterdam can be a breeze for first timers to Europe in many ways. Everyone speaks English, and the city is small enough to get around by foot. At the same time, the streets are curvy and confusing, taxis are expensive and the Dutch language is a mouthful. It’s also important to find a good location »Read more

Parisians are rude, London is expensive and everyone in Barcelona washes down a huge paella with a liter of sangria. While European stereotypes live off of exaggeration, there’s always a hint of truth to them somewhere. As a global city with a long tradition of liberal policies, the Dutch capital is no exception. Travelers arrive »Read more

Amsterdam is a biking paradise, and there’s no better way to experience it than pedaling through the historic streets. Previously, we’ve shared some helpful tips on how to bicycle safely throughout the city, the best bike tours and how to navigate the roads in winter. Now it’s time to get local about it. In Amsterdam, »Read more

Here at EuroCheapo, we’re always looking at discounts and deals across the continent that help you save money. A frequent topic of conversation is the popular city tourist and museums cards. There are benefits (free admissions) and disadvantages (the sometimes high cost) to each, and opinions can be divided. But it always comes down to »Read more

Getting around Amsterdam sans bike can be pricey if you’re not hoofing it. One-way tram and bus fares are up to €2.80, and trains easily exceed the €10 mark on a round trip outside the capital. While the usual choices are 24-hour city transport cards and Euro rail passes, new to the scene is the »Read more

It’s always a surprise to hear people claim that Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Between bicycles and local markets, free art galleries and outdoor hangouts, there’s plenty to do in this city that’s “on the house.” If you dodge the flying tourist bullets of waffle stands and keepsake boutiques, you’ll »Read more

Forget Dutch slippers shaped like clogs, Red Light paraphernalia and typical shot glasses. Souvenirs in Holland’s capital need not be dorky or cheap—it’s all about finding the right store and clever idea. Here are five recommendations for good take away memorabilia from Amsterdam for yourself and your friends back home. 1. Cheap and sweet: the »Read more

Winter is officially here, and that means Holland can get hit with a heavy punch of ice and snow that means slick city streets and challenging travel situations. Amsterdam was built for chilly weather, but it is not entirely foolproof. If you’re headed to Amsterdam for a Winter Wonderland, here are some tips to keep »Read more

Amsterdam has a thriving nightlife scene, with a “something for every Cheapo” mentality. There are hundreds of bars and coffeeshops, great nightclubs and music venues plus a long list of festivals in the summer. But if you’re not careful, charges can add up quickly for everything from drink prices and cover charges to taxi fares »Read more

The largest beer festival in the Netherlands takes place in Amsterdam every autumn and celebrates the release of bok beer, a dark seasonal lager. This year marks the 36th annual Bokbier Festival on October 25-27 at the Beurs van Berlage building in central Amsterdam – the world’s first stock exchange. Even if you’re a loyal »Read more

It’s hard watching tourists coughing up too much cash when buying everyday items in (often the center of) Amsterdam. If only they knew what they should be paying! This isn’t a “in a perfect Amsterdam world” price list. These are, in fact, prices that you can expect to find when purchasing everyday travel items in »Read more

In Amsterdam, finding a comfortable hotel with all the trappings at a budget-friendly price can be tricky. The cozy capital of Holland is dripping with high tourist rates, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to shell out for a room. Here are some simple ways that you can find your dream accommodation on the »Read more

Imagine that it’s your first time in Amsterdam. Like most travelers on a trip around Europe, you’ve only penciled in a short weekend to explore the Dutch capital. While this might not be our recommended way to see the city, it is doable… or at least we can pack the weekend with enough activities to »Read more

Over the course of many years living in Amsterdam I’ve developed a shyness about using the toilet. As a paying customer in a café there’s no problem; I’ll hit the head like any normal Jane. It’s the act of walking into an establishment from off the streets, bypassing servers and aiming straight for the loo, »Read more

No one likes being labeled the dumb tourist, but a lot of times we slide right into it with just one word. After seeing too many nice visitors to Amsterdam blush with embarrassment on the streets and in the shops, here are my top 10 phrases of what you shouldn’t say in Amsterdam (and why). »Read more

Although a very densely-populated capital, Amsterdam is a very “parky” place. In the summertime locals flock to the city’s many green spaces to hang in the sun, picnic, and dabble in recreational games. All very Cheapo-friendly ways to spend the day, as none of them cost a euro-cent. Here are my five picks for city »Read more

It might seem ridiculous to write a post on how to use a bus in Amsterdam. Most of us know how to ride a bus. But the particulars of riding public transportation in countries you’re visiting can be tricky enough to embarrass you with even the simplest task, like paying for your fare incorrectly, or »Read more

The burger craze has hit Amsterdam hard, and specialty burger joints seem to be lighting up across the city (no pun intended). Luckily, my American burger taste buds and my fellow burger-loving buddies have found some of the cheapest hubs that really have the good stuff in Amsterdam’s center. Burger Bar Kolksteeg 6 Warmoestraat 21 »Read more

Amsterdam is not known to hold many chain businesses (besides Bulldog coffeeshop franchise). The city prides itself on supporting small business owners, “mom and pop” cafes, and one-man (and one-woman) services. Still, a few chain restaurants have begun to pop up. Here are a few that are wallet friendly, fun, flavorful, and worth a look-see. »Read more